Iran ambassador turns Tijuana into political symbol ahead of World Cup, citing U.S. visa issues

Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Albolfazl Pasandideh, has declared Tijuana a symbol of political defiance, designating the Mexican border city as the operational base for the Iranian national football team during the 2026 World Cup. During a press conference in Tijuana, Pasandideh directly addressed the United States, accusing Washington of failing to ensure equitable conditions for his team and its supporters.

Pasandideh asserted that the U.S. has complicated visa processes for Iranian players, coaching staff, and fans, despite the tournament being co-hosted by the U.S. "We are the only team that truly has not received support," the ambassador stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding migratory permits and mobility for the Iranian contingent just days before the tournament's start. "We don't know if they will give us the visa or not."

The ambassador emphasized that the World Cup should serve as a platform for peace and friendship, not be overshadowed by political tensions. While acknowledging FIFA's efforts to mitigate these difficulties, Pasandideh suggested the organization had limited success in resolving the issues Iran faces with Washington. He extended public gratitude to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo for allowing the Iranian team to establish its camp in Mexico and lauded the hospitality of Tijuana, located a short distance from San Diego, California.

"True friends are known in difficult situations," Pasandideh remarked, quoting a Persian proverb. He had previously described Tijuana to Iranian media as a "very developed and secure city" to instill confidence in the team and the Iranian community. The plan is for the team to primarily travel by air during the tournament, though Pasandideh did not rule out land travel if the "neighbor to the north wants to cause trouble."

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No sabemos si nos van a dar la visa o no